Things started off badly for Wainwright, and it unfortunately foreshadowed how his outing ended.

Red-hot Red Sox first baseman David Ortiz socked an RBI double to plate Dustin Pedroia, putting Boston on the board in the top of the first.

It looked like Wainwright would get tagged as he had in the opening game of the series, when he gave up five runs (three earned), but he was borderline untouchable for five innings thereafter. Wainwright struck out the side in both the first and second innings.

Lester hadn't given up a run in 16.1 previous World Series innings in the midst of clinging to an early lead in this one.

After yielding a second single to Xander Bogaerts, Wainwright issued the first walk of the game to Stephen Drew. He then let a pitch hang over the plate to David Ross, who socked a ground-rule RBI double that bounced into the left field stands.

The unexpected production from the bottom of the lineup was a key for the Red Sox. Jacoby Ellsbury was then able to avenge an inning-ending strikeout with two men aboard in the fifth by blooping a two-out single to center, which pushed the lead to 3-1.

However, an excellent throw by St. Louis center fielder Shane Robinson allowed for a play at the plate, where Ross was tagged out in an attempt to add more insurance for Lester.

Not that the superior southpaw needed it, as he easily retired the side in the seventh. Lester ended up going 7.2 innings, giving up just four hits, one earned run, zero walks and seven strikeouts to enhance an already stupendous World Series resume.

Shutdown closer Koji Uehara struck out Matt Adams on three pitches to finish off the eighth after Lester yielded a double to David Freese.

Uehara then slammed the door in the ninth by retiring the side in order. After the game Mike Mathany stayed upbeat about his team's chances in Boston (via Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News and Troy Renck of the Denver Post):

Matheny on needing two wins at Fenway: "It's a great opportunity for us to show what kind of team we are."

With Wainwright having to worry so much about Ortiz, it had to be draining, and it showed when Ross came through from the No. 8 slot with the eventual game-winning hit.

Matt Holliday, LF, St. Louis Cardinals: B

It was a game to forget for St. Louis from the batter's box yet again, save for Holliday's homer that kept the Cardinals' hopes alive.

Holliday flew out to center in his third at-bat, and lined a shot to right off Uehara to end the game. That was more than many of his teammates could say, as Lester kept most of his outs in the infield.

Jon Lester, SP, Boston Red Sox: A

How will the rest of the series play out?

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How will the rest of the series play out?

Red Sox in six

75.9%

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Boston in seven

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Total votes: 3,367

Even paper airplanes weren't enough to break Lester's concentration, but it was the best Cardinals fans could muster.

Just about any superlative used to praise Lester's performance can't be considered hyperbole at this point after yet another amazing outing in which he befuddled St. Louis' stars.

What might have been most noteworthy was Lester's efficiency; he threw only 91 pitches, and 61 of them went for strikes. Moses Messena of MLB Network puts his World Series dominance into perspective:

Jon Lester now has a 2.11 Career ERA in the #postseason..which is the 5th lowest all-time in the postseason (min. 75 iP) #WorldSeries

Save for the homer he gave up to Holliday, there aren't many holes to poke at in Lester's performance. If the Red Sox win the series, which seems likely at this point, Lester should warrant strong consideration for the MVP award.

What's Next?

Rebounding won't be easy for the Cardinals after losing two consecutive games at home.

ESPN's Darren Rovell points out how severe of a deficit manager Mike Matheny's club is in:

7 teams have come back from a 3-2 World Series deficit to win the World Series since 1985. NONE of those teams did it on the road.